But it’s not just a diversion for bored architects who like horror films. It’s a thought experiment. For a house to be useful in a zombie apocalypse, it would not only need to be secure against attack: it would need to be structurally strong, easily repaired, capable of generating energy, food and water, and able to manage/recycle its waste. In short, it would have to be a highly effective eco-house.

Which means it would be useful in all kinds of situations that don’t involve a zombie apocalypse. And it would potentially have a huge benefit in terms of the resources we consume.